Course

Studio Setup and Maintenance I

Faculty
Language, Literature and Performing Arts
Department
Music
Course code
MUSC 1173
Credits
1.50
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
30
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Typically offered
To be determined

Overview

Course description
Through lectures, demonstrations and hands-on studio work, students learn acoustic and design concepts relevant to setting up a project recording studio or commercial facility. Topics include room acoustics and sound treatment, as well as design considerations for inclusive collaborative and creative spaces that are welcoming to a diverse client base.
Course content
  1. Fundamentals of sound
  2. Basic acoustics: absorption, reflection and transmission
  3. Room acoustics: resonant modes and modal patterns
  4. Sound treatment and shaping the frequency response: reflective and absorptive surfaces, diffusion, wall treatments and bass traps
  5. Sound transmission and isolation: STC (Sound Transmission Class), construction techniques and HVAC considerations
  6. Case studies: studio design, creativity, collaboration and diversity
  7. Room design and geometry: equipment placement: ergonomics and ideal sound reproduction.
  8. Room optimization
  9. Building a project studio
  10. Digital tools for room measuring and calibration
  11. Professionalism and the four R’s
  12. Location
Learning activities

Lecture/demonstration.

Students will work alongside the instructor in one of the Douglas College recording studios. Students will be expected to complete regular assignments and projects outside of class time. These can be done in the lab, the studio, or at home.

Means of assessment

Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. 

The following is an example evaluation scheme:

Tests/Quizzes (minimum of 2) 30%
Midterm Project 20%
Final Project 40%

Professionalism

Total

10%

100%

Students' record of attendance and/or level of active participation in the course forms part of the student's graded performance. Expectations and grade calculations regarding class attendance and participation will be clearly defined in the Instructor Course Outline.

Professionalism is assessed on consistent attendance, punctuality, taking responsibility for deadlines, recognition of the 4R’s (Respect, Responsibility, Relevance and Reciprocity), constructive and considerate inter-personal communication and contribution to class discussion and group work.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Explain fundamental acoustic principles: reflection, modal resonance, absorption, diffraction, diffusion and reverberation;
  2. Describe the principles and practical steps involved in sound isolating a space;
  3. Identify the characteristic sounds of different acoustic environments and evaluate an acoustic space;
  4. Use the acoustic principles of studio design to optimise a listening room;
  5. Choose appropriate room dimensions for a project studio and describe room geometry and placement of sound treatment and equipment;
  6. Identify ways in which studio design impacts creativity, collaboration and inclusivity;
  7. Recognize the importance of understanding relationships with Host Nations when running a culturally sensitive and sustainable business on unceded territory;
  8. Apply the 4R’s (Respect, Reciprocity, Relevance and Responsibility) when working and collaborating with others in a professional setting.
Textbook materials

No texts or materials are required. All required hardware and software for the completion of assignments and projects is available in the studio.

Requisites

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Equivalencies

None

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers to Other Institutions

Below are current transfer agreements from Douglas College to other institutions for the current course guidelines only. For a full list of transfer details and archived courses, please see the BC Transfer Guide.

Institution Transfer details for MUSC 1173
There are no applicable transfer credits for this course.

Course Offerings

Fall 2026

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
26
Currently enrolled
0
Remaining seats:
26
On waitlist
0
Building
New Westminster - North Bldg.
Room
N3221
Times:
Start Time
12:30
-
End Time
14:20
Building
New Westminster - North Bldg.
Room
N3285
Times:
Start Time
12:30
-
End Time
14:20
Section notes

MUSC 1173 001 - This course is restricted to Music Technology students. Registration in this course will result in a 'time conflict' error - please disregard.